WHO condemns attack on Al Jala Hospital in Benghazi

The World Health Organization (WHO) strongly condemns the armed attack on Al Jala Hospital in Benghazi, Libya, on 25 December. The attack resulted in damage to the hospital infrastructure.

Al Jala Trauma Hospital works with limited supplies and resources, and under extreme pressure, to save lives and provide medical services for the whole east of Libya.

Repeated attacks will lead to the closure of this important hospital and further erode Libyans’ already limited access to medical care.

This attack reflects a worrying trend: it is the fourth attack on Al Jala Hospital, and the latest in a total of 30 attacks on health in Libya this year.

WHO urges all parties to the conflict in Libya to observe International Humanitarian Law, and respect the safety and neutrality of health workers and health facilities.

Tragedies like this should be avoided by taking all necessary precautionary measures, and the perpetrators must be brought to justice.